Don’t mistake meningitis for swine flu, warn GPs

The two illnesses can be easily mixed up because they have similar symptoms, including aches and pains and cold hands and feet.

Cases of meningitis typically rise in the autumn – the same time experts have predicted a surge in the number of cases of swine flu.

Schools and universities going back means people are in close proximity, making it easy for viruses to spread and the flu tends to thrive in the cooler months.

At least two people are already known to have died in the UK from meningitis after mistakenly being diagnosed with swine flu.

Steve Dayman, chief executive of the charity Meningitis UK, said parents should “trust their instincts” and watch out for the disease, which can kill in under four hours.

“Meningitis occurs throughout the year but very shortly we will see the number of cases going up.

“It’s very difficult for GPs to identify meningitis in its early stages because it's very similar to flu - with symptoms such as cold hands and feet and aching limbs.”

He said a pin prick rash that can turn into purple bruising is a classic sign of a meningococcal meningitis and requires urgent attention.

But he said parents should be on their guard even before this happens and seek medical attention if their child appears to deteriorate rapidly.

Children under five are most at risk from meningitis, followed by teenagers and students.

Schools across Dorset and Hampshire go back in the next week and experts have predicted there will be a rise in swine flu cases over the next few months.

At present, there are about 5,000 people being newly-diagnosed with the virus in England every week, down from a peak of around 100,000 some weeks ago.

Classic symptoms of meningitis include a headache, stiff neck and a dislike of bright light. Other symptoms are difficulty supporting own weight, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea, confusion and drowsiness. Septicaemia leads to aching limbs, cold hands and feet and a rash.